Former Anakalusugan Representative Mike Defensor on Monday raised alarming claims regarding the treatment of John Paul Estrada, a former aide of resigned Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, and Estrada’s pregnant wife.
In a recent appearance, Defensor said the couple was allegedly beaten and forcibly taken out of the Philippines to Chile using counterfeit passports to prevent Estrada from testifying in the ongoing multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
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Claims of Detention and Assault Abroad
According to Defensor, personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other “active” government operatives were involved in unlawfully detaining Estrada and his wife before their departure.
Estrada first became a figure in the flood control controversy when retired Marine Sergeant Orly Guteza testified before the Senate blue ribbon committee that he personally delivered cash-filled suitcases to Co and Leyte Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Guteza claimed the money was regularly received by Estrada and another assistant, Mark Tecsay.
Forced Travel and Confiscated Passports
Defensor recounted that the couple was initially brought to Taiwan, where the alleged assault took place.
"Before lumipad sa Chile, they were in Taiwan if I’m not mistaken… Binugbog ‘yung mag-asawa. ‘Yun ‘yung claim ng wife. Kasi ‘yung Paul and the wife magkasama and ‘yung wife is pregnant," Defensor said during the interview, referring to the alleged beating.
He added that the pair was subsequently flown to Chile, citing information from Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who had introduced Guteza as a surprise witness in the Senate hearing. Marcoleta allegedly stated that Estrada was sent to Chile due to the absence of an extradition agreement between the Philippines and the South American country.
Abuse and Coercion
Defensor further alleged that the couple experienced additional physical assault while abroad and that their Philippine passports were confiscated by those who detained them.
"Meron kaming Philippine passport pero ‘di namin alam ang pangalan namin. Cinonfiscate nila," Estrada’s wife reportedly said, according to Defensor.
The former lawmaker explained that the couple’s original passports were seized prior to their flight and replaced with other travel documents to ensure they could leave the country.
"Initially they were using their own passport… confiscated by those holding them. Nung lumipad sila, may mga hawak silang passport, but I think they were anticipating na baka ma-cancel ‘yung passport nila in lieu of the investigation," Defensor added.
At present, no official statements have been issued by the NBI, Malacañang, or other agencies implicated in the allegations.
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